Festival to Highlight Richland County’s International Corridor Columbia, SC Bring your family and join in celebration of RICHLAND’S INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS ON DECKER. This one-day fun-filled, family friendly festival – no alcohol, no smoking – May 20, hosted by Richland County and the acclaimed 22-year old non-profit Columbia International Festival, will engage all your senses. And it is FREE - no admission fee. County leaders, Decker Boulevard business owners and neighborhood associations, marching bands, civic and area church groups, will kick off the festival with a parade down Decker Boulevard. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. from the 1735 Decker Blvd. Family Dollar parking lot and proceed to the festival site, Decker Center - 2500 Decker Blvd. A brief official Welcome Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. honoring state and local government officials and county educational leaders. This mini-festival is open from 10 am to 6 pm, rain or shine. Throughout the day there will be live international cultural performances by colorfully costumed ethnic dancers accompanied by traditional musical instruments and rhythmic melodies on a central stage. At the International Food Court, you will be able to savor tantalizing tastes of exotic ethnic foods. International Exhibits will showcase the county’s multi-cultural backgrounds and their contributions that enrich the flavor of the County’s life. Authentic ethnic goods and packaged foods will be available for purchase from the corridor’s Ethnic Bazaar booths. Information on assistance and services will be available from various area Service Organization booths. Above all, the festival provides a venue for the Midland’s local and foreign-born communities to come together in Richland County’s International Corridor to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of its linguistic and cultural diversity, to work together toward the area’s economic revitalization, discover new friends and build better community relations.
